Rubber stamp artist featured at Toledo Public Library

August 15, 2013

Editor's Note: The art work of Cheryl Helm will be on display at the Toledo Public Library through the month of September. Library hours are Mon-Thur 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri- 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Sat- 9 a.m.-noon.

I have lived in Tama, for the past eight years with my husband, Mel of 43 years. We have one daughter, Alison, married to Greg and two grandsons, Dylan and Gavin.

I am a self taught artist, therefore, I play by "No Rules." I create as I go. I don't see the finished project, I just know when I'm done with it.

Article Photos

Cheryl Helm with a portion of her art now on display at the Toledo Public Library.-Photo provided

The basis of my art work is rubber stamping. I was introduced to stamping in 1996 and shortly after started my stamping journey.

I have designed and taught advanced rubber stamping and the many hundreds of techniques that can be used with stamping throughout the United States at stores and conventions.

I was an artist on call for the magazine, "Inspirations" which consisted of only six artists that did all the artwork for this quarterly magazine. I was a guest artist for the magazine, "Stamper's Sampler." I have written and had published articles on techniques used with rubber stamping for various retail magazines.

I have worked with numerous rubber stamp companies to make samples using their line of stamps and/or products that have been used on internet sites and for displays used in their stores or conventions.

Along with making artwork, I also design one of a kind greeting cards for all occasions.

Fun Fact: I own over 5,000 rubber stamps. Thanks to the many companies that I have worked with, they have allowed me to keep their products for my own use.

Materials I use are too numerous to list but to mention a few of my favorites: Decorative papers (Some of these I create myself with stamping and inking, others are purchased and I alter), lots and lots of ink, chipboard, grungeboard, wood, beads, buttons, wire, game pieces, clock parts, and teht best, found objects and old stuff because....If I find it, I make art out of it!!

If I'm not in my art studio playing, I can be found: Reading, motorcycling, watching Nascar racing, hanging out with my grandsons, or with my nose to the ground looking for the next treasure for making art!